Atlas Offshore

Overview

Atlas Offshore is a submarine cable system that spans 1,634 kilometers across the western Mediterranean Sea, directly connecting France and Morocco. Operational since 2007, it serves as a dedicated link between Europe and North Africa. The cable is an important component of the telecommunications infrastructure in the region, facilitating data transmission and connectivity between the two countries. Its relatively short length, compared to intercontinental systems, underscores its focus on regional connectivity rather than global reach.

The system is owned and operated exclusively by Maroc Telecom, Morocco’s leading telecommunications provider. This ownership structure ensures that the cable is specifically tailored to meet Morocco’s connectivity needs with Europe, bypassing the shared capacity constraints often associated with consortium-owned systems. Atlas Offshore plays a critical role in supporting Morocco’s growing digital economy and its integration with European markets.

Route and Landings

Atlas Offshore connects the Mediterranean coast of France to the Atlantic-facing shore of Morocco. In France, the cable lands at Marseille, a major hub for submarine cable systems in the Mediterranean region. Marseille has long been a strategic landing point due to its established infrastructure and its role as a gateway for data traffic between Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

On the Moroccan side, the cable lands at Asilah, a coastal town located in the Strait of Gibraltar region. Asilah’s location on Morocco’s Atlantic coast provides a strategic entry point for international connectivity, linking the country to Europe via the shortest possible submarine route. The cable traverses the western Mediterranean and navigates the Strait of Gibraltar, a critical maritime chokepoint, to establish this direct connection between the two nations.

Ownership and History

Atlas Offshore is fully owned by Maroc Telecom, which is Morocco’s principal telecommunications operator. Unlike many submarine cable systems that are built and operated by international consortia, Atlas Offshore is a single-owner system, giving Maroc Telecom full control over its operations and capacity. This ownership model allows the operator to prioritize the needs of Morocco’s telecommunications market and ensure reliable connectivity to Europe.

The cable was ready for service in 2007, marking a significant milestone in Morocco’s telecommunications development. Since its deployment, Atlas Offshore has provided nearly two decades of uninterrupted service, connecting Morocco to France and, by extension, to the broader European network. Its establishment has been pivotal in enhancing Morocco’s global connectivity and supporting its digital transformation.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of Atlas Offshore reveals performance metrics that highlight its role as a reliable regional cable. Over 192 measured corridors, the cable has demonstrated a best round-trip time (RTT) of 35 milliseconds and an average RTT of 95 milliseconds. These figures reflect the cable’s efficiency in providing low-latency connectivity between Morocco and France, though variations in network conditions beyond the cable itself contribute to the higher average latency.

The performance of Atlas Offshore is critical for ensuring seamless communication and data exchange between the two regions. Its strategic routing through the western Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar minimizes physical distance, which is a key factor in achieving lower latency. The cable’s operational reliability and consistent performance make it an essential asset for Maroc Telecom and the communities it serves in both Morocco and France.